{
  "id": "arianegroup-vulcain-2-1",
  "title": "Vulcain 2.1 engine",
  "maker": "ArianeGroup",
  "maker_type": "Commercial",
  "kind": "mission",
  "category": "engines",
  "page": "https://spacemushroom.com/space-products/arianegroup-vulcain-2-1/",
  "website": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/The_engines_of_Ariane_6",
  "summary": "Gas-generator LOX/LH2 engine for the Ariane 6 core stage; sources state a laser-welded sheet-metal nozzle built by GKN Aerospace and a 3D-printed gas generator whose injection head is a nickel-based alloy. Few other materials are published.",
  "application": "Vulcain 2.1 is the single engine of the Ariane 6 core stage. It burns for about eight minutes to lift the launcher away from Earth before the Vinci upper stage takes over. Its laser-welded nozzle and 3D-printed gas generator were introduced to simplify production compared with the Ariane 5 Vulcain 2.",
  "story": null,
  "specifications": [
    {
      "label": "Vacuum thrust",
      "value": "More than 1370 kN",
      "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/The_engines_of_Ariane_6",
      "quote": "providing more than 1370 kN of thrust"
    },
    {
      "label": "Vacuum thrust (eoPortal)",
      "value": "1,371 kN",
      "source_url": "https://directory.eoportal.org/other-space-activities/ariane6",
      "quote": "The engine has a vacuum thrust of 1,371 kN"
    },
    {
      "label": "Specific impulse (vacuum)",
      "value": "432 s",
      "source_url": "https://directory.eoportal.org/other-space-activities/ariane6",
      "quote": "and a specific impulse of 432 seconds"
    },
    {
      "label": "Chamber pressure",
      "value": "118.8 bar",
      "source_url": "https://directory.eoportal.org/other-space-activities/ariane6",
      "quote": "The combustion pressure for the engine is 118.8 bar"
    },
    {
      "label": "Mixture ratio (oxidizer to fuel)",
      "value": "6.03",
      "source_url": "https://directory.eoportal.org/other-space-activities/ariane6",
      "quote": "with a mixing ratio of 6.03 for its LOX-LH2 propellant mix"
    },
    {
      "label": "Cycle",
      "value": "Gas generator, two independent turbopumps",
      "source_url": "https://iafastro.directory/iac/archive/browse/IAC-16/C4/1/34554/",
      "quote": "cryogenic gas generator cycle engine with two independent turbopumps"
    },
    {
      "label": "Propellants",
      "value": "Liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen",
      "source_url": "https://ariane.group/en/space/propulsion",
      "quote": "burning liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen fuel (LOX/LH2) in a combustion chamber via a gas generator and two turbo-pumps"
    },
    {
      "label": "Propellant flow and burn time",
      "value": "Over 327 kg/s for 468 s",
      "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/The_engines_of_Ariane_6",
      "quote": "consumes over 327 kg/s of fuel a second and does this for 468 seconds"
    },
    {
      "label": "Height",
      "value": "3.7 m",
      "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/10/Vulcain_2.1",
      "quote": "The Vulcain is 3.7 m high, 2.5 m in diameter and weighs about 2 tonnes"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diameter",
      "value": "2.5 m",
      "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/10/Vulcain_2.1",
      "quote": "The Vulcain is 3.7 m high, 2.5 m in diameter and weighs about 2 tonnes"
    },
    {
      "label": "Mass",
      "value": "About 2 tonnes",
      "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2017/10/Vulcain_2.1",
      "quote": "The Vulcain is 3.7 m high, 2.5 m in diameter and weighs about 2 tonnes"
    },
    {
      "label": "Nozzle diameter (SWAN nozzle)",
      "value": "2.5 m",
      "source_url": "https://www.adsgroup.org.uk/knowledge/industry-member-news/gkn-delivers-advanced-ariane-6-nozzle-to-airbus-safran-launchers",
      "quote": "The new state of the art nozzle, which measures 2.5m in diameter"
    },
    {
      "label": "Engines per vehicle",
      "value": "One, on the Ariane 6 main (core) stage",
      "source_url": "https://ariane.group/en/space/propulsion",
      "quote": "is the engine for the Ariane 6 main stage"
    },
    {
      "label": "First hot-fire test of the Ariane 6 version",
      "value": "DLR P5 test facility, Lampoldshausen, reported 23 January 2018",
      "source_url": "https://ariane.group/en/news/successful-first-test/",
      "quote": "on the P5 test facility at its site in Lampoldshausen, Germany"
    },
    {
      "label": "Qualification",
      "value": "Completed",
      "source_url": "https://directory.eoportal.org/other-space-activities/ariane6",
      "quote": "The Vulcain 2.1 engine has completed its qualification process"
    },
    {
      "label": "First flight",
      "value": "Ariane 6 maiden launch, 9 July 2024",
      "source_url": "https://directory.eoportal.org/other-space-activities/ariane6",
      "quote": "was successfully launched from the French Guiana Spaceport on July 9, 2024"
    }
  ],
  "features": [
    {
      "text": "Upgraded version of the Ariane 5 Vulcain engine",
      "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_what_s_it_made_of",
      "quote": "The Vulcain 2.1 engine is an upgraded version of the Vulcain that powered the Ariane 5."
    },
    {
      "text": "3D-printed gas generator, simplified divergent nozzle and electrically operated hot gas valve",
      "source_url": "https://ariane.group/en/space/propulsion",
      "quote": "including gas generator produced by 3D printing, simplified divergent nozzle, and a new electrically-operated hot gas valve"
    },
    {
      "text": "Nozzle built by laser-welding two large sheets of metal with cooling channels",
      "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_what_s_it_made_of",
      "quote": "built by laser-welding two large sheets of metal together"
    },
    {
      "text": "Nozzle part count cut from about 1000 parts to 100",
      "source_url": "https://www.adsgroup.org.uk/knowledge/industry-member-news/gkn-delivers-advanced-ariane-6-nozzle-to-airbus-safran-launchers",
      "quote": "reduction of component parts, taking it down from approximately 1000 parts to 100 parts"
    },
    {
      "text": "Combustion chamber ignition system moved from the engine to the launch pad",
      "source_url": "https://ariane.group/en/space/propulsion",
      "quote": "the combustion chamber ignition system has been moved from the engine to the launch pad"
    },
    {
      "text": "Nozzle is tilted during flight to steer the rocket",
      "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_what_s_it_made_of",
      "quote": "Its nozzle is rapidly tilted and turned during a launch to keep the rocket flying upright"
    },
    {
      "text": "ArianeGroup says 3D printing cut the manufacturing cycle of the gas generator by half",
      "source_url": "https://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/3d-printing-slashes-manufacturing-time-for-european-rocket-engine",
      "quote": "cut the manufacturing cycle by half"
    },
    {
      "text": "Liquid oxygen turbopump is common to Ariane 5 and Ariane 6",
      "source_url": "https://avio.com/cryogenic-turbopumps",
      "quote": "The Vulcain 2.1 (Mk2) turbopump is common to both the Ariane 5 program and the Ariane 6 launcher family"
    }
  ],
  "parts": [
    {
      "assembly": "Thrust chamber and nozzle",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Combustion chamber",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Two turbopumps inject hydrogen and oxygen into the combustion chamber.",
          "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/The_engines_of_Ariane_6",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Divergent nozzle (SWAN sandwich nozzle)",
          "material": null,
          "form": "laser-welded sheets with cooling channels between them",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "built by laser-welding two large sheets of metal together",
          "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_what_s_it_made_of",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Nozzle structural reinforcements",
          "material": null,
          "form": "additively manufactured",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "additively manufactured structural reinforcements",
          "source_url": "https://www.adsgroup.org.uk/knowledge/industry-member-news/gkn-aerospace-wins-ariane-6-rocket-engine-sub-systems-contracts",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Nozzle steering (gimbal) system",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Its nozzle is rapidly tilted and turned during a launch to keep the rocket flying upright",
          "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_what_s_it_made_of",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Gas generator",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Gas generator",
          "material": null,
          "form": "3D printed",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "a gas generator built using 3D printing, a simplified divergent nozzle, and an oxygen heater for tank pressurization",
          "source_url": "https://ariane.group/en/news/successful-first-test/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Gas generator injection head",
          "material": "nickel-based alloy (grade not stated)",
          "form": "single additively manufactured block, previously more than 100 elements",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "la conformité de cette pièce en alliage à base de nickel",
          "source_url": "https://www.cetim.fr/content/download/170551/fichier/Fiche%20Ref%20-%20ArianeGroup%20(FR).pdf",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": "nickel-based-alloy"
        },
        {
          "part": "Oxygen heater for tank pressurization",
          "material": null,
          "form": "3D printed",
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Additional 3D printed components include the gas generator and the Oxygen heater for tank pressurization",
          "source_url": "https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/vulcain-2-1-test-fired-3d-printed-rocket-engine-parts-lift-off-2020-127970/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Turbopumps",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Liquid hydrogen turbopump",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "Two turbopumps inject hydrogen and oxygen into the combustion chamber.",
          "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/The_engines_of_Ariane_6",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Liquid oxygen turbopump (Mk2)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Avio",
          "quote": "the Mk2 turbopump features a host of improvements in hydraulics, balance, sealing, and turbine performance",
          "source_url": "https://avio.com/cryogenic-turbopumps",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Liquid oxygen turbopump Dynamic Seal Package",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Avio",
          "quote": "In particular, Avio improved the Dynamic Seal Package (DSP)",
          "source_url": "https://avio.com/cryogenic-turbopumps",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Liquid oxygen turbopump Active Balancing System",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Avio",
          "quote": "the Active Balancing System (ABS), which compensates for the axial forces generated by the turbine",
          "source_url": "https://avio.com/cryogenic-turbopumps",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Turbine assemblies",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "GKN Aerospace",
          "quote": "These turbine assemblies will be manufactured at GKN Aerospace",
          "source_url": "https://www.adsgroup.org.uk/knowledge/industry-member-news/gkn-aerospace-wins-ariane-6-rocket-engine-sub-systems-contracts",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        }
      ]
    },
    {
      "assembly": "Ignition, valves and pressurisation",
      "parts": [
        {
          "part": "Combustion chamber ignition system (ground-based)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "the combustion chamber ignition system has been moved from the engine to the launch pad",
          "source_url": "https://ariane.group/en/space/propulsion",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Gas generator igniter and turbine pump starter",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "crucial components like a Thrust Chamber Igniter (TCI), Gas Generator Igniter (GGI) and a Turbine Pump Starter (TPS)",
          "source_url": "https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/vulcain-2-1-test-fired-3d-printed-rocket-engine-parts-lift-off-2020-127970/",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Hot gas valve (electrically operated)",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": null,
          "quote": "a new electrically-operated hot gas valve",
          "source_url": "https://ariane.group/en/space/propulsion",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        },
        {
          "part": "Valves and pressure regulators",
          "material": null,
          "form": null,
          "finish": null,
          "standard": null,
          "hardware_ref": "Safran, Turin",
          "quote": "In Turin, Italy, the former Microtecnica site now owned by Safran produces valves and pressure regulators",
          "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_made_in_Italy",
          "profile": null,
          "mid": null
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "materials": [
    {
      "id": "nickel-based-alloy",
      "name": "nickel-based alloy (grade not stated)",
      "material_page": null
    }
  ],
  "standards": [],
  "relations": [
    {
      "type": "part_of",
      "target": "Ariane 6",
      "target_slug": "arianespace-ariane-6",
      "note": "core (main) stage engine, one per stage",
      "quote": "is the engine for the Ariane 6 main stage",
      "source_url": "https://ariane.group/en/space/propulsion"
    },
    {
      "type": "supplied_by",
      "target": "ArianeGroup",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "developer of the engine, with European partners, for ESA",
      "quote": "has been developed by ArianeGroup in cooperation with European partners on behalf of the European Space Agency",
      "source_url": "https://ariane.group/en/space/propulsion"
    },
    {
      "type": "supplied_by",
      "target": "GKN Aerospace",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "SWAN nozzle, built at Trollhattan, Sweden",
      "quote": "GKN Aerospace has delivered the first advanced Ariane 6 nozzle (SWAN) to Airbus Safran Launchers",
      "source_url": "https://www.adsgroup.org.uk/knowledge/industry-member-news/gkn-delivers-advanced-ariane-6-nozzle-to-airbus-safran-launchers"
    },
    {
      "type": "supplied_by",
      "target": "GKN Aerospace",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "turbine assemblies for the turbopumps",
      "quote": "These turbine assemblies will be manufactured at GKN Aerospace",
      "source_url": "https://www.adsgroup.org.uk/knowledge/industry-member-news/gkn-aerospace-wins-ariane-6-rocket-engine-sub-systems-contracts"
    },
    {
      "type": "supplied_by",
      "target": "Avio",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "liquid oxygen turbopump",
      "quote": "Avio provides the liquid oxygen turbopumps for the Vinci and Vulcain 2.1 engines for Ariane 6.",
      "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_made_in_Italy"
    },
    {
      "type": "supplied_by",
      "target": "ArianeGroup France (Vernon)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "liquid oxygen turbopump responsibility moving here from Avio",
      "quote": "ESA Member States decided to transfer responsibility for the liquid oxygen turbopumps from Avio to ArianeGroup France.",
      "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_made_in_Italy"
    },
    {
      "type": "supplied_by",
      "target": "Safran (Turin site, former Microtecnica)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "valves and pressure regulators",
      "quote": "In Turin, Italy, the former Microtecnica site now owned by Safran produces valves and pressure regulators",
      "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_made_in_Italy"
    },
    {
      "type": "heritage_of",
      "target": "Vulcain engine (Ariane 5)",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "upgraded version of the Ariane 5 main-stage engine",
      "quote": "The Vulcain 2.1 engine is an upgraded version of the Vulcain that powered the Ariane 5.",
      "source_url": "https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Space_Transportation/Ariane/Ariane_6_what_s_it_made_of"
    },
    {
      "type": "heritage_of",
      "target": "Vulcain 2 engine",
      "target_slug": null,
      "note": "version of Vulcain 2 adapted for the Ariane 6 main stage",
      "quote": "a version of the Ariane 5 Vulcain",
      "source_url": "https://ariane.group/en/news/successful-first-test/"
    }
  ],
  "not_published": "No alloys for the nozzle sheets, chamber liner or jacket, injector, turbopump rotors, bearings, seals, valves or ducts. No standards.",
  "depth": "materials-only",
  "photos": [],
  "context": {
    "size": [],
    "mass": [],
    "orbit": []
  },
  "licence": "Product data CC BY 4.0, cite Space Mushroom. Photos keep their own licences, given per photo.",
  "mcp": "https://spacemushroom.com/mcp"
}